FIFA Crisis Deepens as Vice President Sandor Csanyi Withdraws Support From Gianni Infantino

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has suffered a major setback after one of the organisation’s vice presidents, Sandor Csanyi, withdrew his support and said he had lost confidence in his leadership.

Csanyi, a Hungarian football official and billionaire banker, said the dismissal of former FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour was the final factor that pushed him to break with Infantino.

In a letter sent to Infantino, seen by AFP on Wednesday, Csanyi said several recent decisions had weakened his belief in the FIFA president’s ability to continue leading the global football body effectively.

“My conviction that you are capable of continuing to lead FIFA successfully and effectively in accordance with the shared values that previously formed the basis of our cooperation has been undermined,” Csanyi wrote.

The FIFA vice president also raised concerns over what he described as controversial decisions surrounding this year’s World Cup, including reports that Infantino had explored plans to outsource FIFA competitions and involve external parties in their organisation.

Csanyi said Lamour’s removal from his role was the “final straw”, arguing that the decision raised questions about FIFA’s leadership standards and professional judgement.

“The final straw was the unexpected dismissal of Kevin Lamour,” he said, adding that the move pointed to “serious shortcomings in professional judgement, ethical standards and leadership.”

Lamour had drawn criticism from FIFA leadership after publicly opposing Infantino’s abandoned proposal to allow private investment in World Cups. His comments placed him at odds with senior officials within the organisation.

The controversy has also attracted criticism from UEFA figures, with UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister saying Lamour’s dismissal sent a “deeply troubling message” to those calling for reforms at FIFA.

The latest disagreement adds to growing scrutiny around Infantino’s leadership as FIFA faces questions over governance, decision-making and the future direction of international football competitions.